10/09/2026
What a great story to start the day!
Seventh-grader Cora Walsh spent years struggling with reading before finally receiving the right diagnosis: dyslexia. Now, after getting the support and instruction that work for her, she’s not only finding more confidence in reading — she’s using her own voice to help others understand what it’s like to learn differently.
Cora’s podcast, “Dyslexia and MEE,” was selected as the middle school grand prize winner of NPR’s 2026 Student Podcast Challenge, chosen from nearly 1,500 submissions across the country.
We especially love Cora’s message to other young people:
“Always try your hardest, and don’t sell yourself short.”
Stories like Cora’s are a great reminder of why recognizing different learning needs, providing the right supports, and listening to young people with disabilities matters. A diagnosis doesn’t define someone’s potential, but understanding how you learn and having access to the tools you need can make a tremendous difference.
Congratulations, Cora! 🎙️📚👏
Read her story and listen to “Dyslexia and MEE” from NPR:
Middle schooler Cora Walsh of Long Island, N.Y., has won the 2026 NPR Student Podcast Challenge with a story about her journey with dyslexia.
